Ward, Farrior out for Steelers

As the Steelers prepare to put their three-game winning streak on the line against the Patriots, the home team will be missing two key veteran players.

Receiver Hines Ward (ankle) and linebacker James Farrior (calf) have been downgraded to out, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Ward injured his ankle against the Cardinals last week. With Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Emmanuel Sanders, the offense isn’t expected to miss a beat. If it doesn’t, it’s hard not to wonder whether the Steelers will decide after the season that it could be time to move on from Ward.

All Hines does is find the seams, catch the ball, and makes sure when you need 10 yards he doesn’t get 9. And he doesn’t miss his blitz adjustments. As much as I love to watch the young guys, you need Hines to win.

It is easy to dismiss the contributions Hines makes. Yes, he has lost a step and he is certainly not the first option any more (might barely make top three what with Wallace, AB and Miller on the roster), but the youngsters have made their share of mistakes and Hines is a more than capable blocker.

The one solace? Cotchery is up. Not a bad option as your fourth receiver on any given Sunday.

Farrior is on the retirement tour this year. Can’t imagine he will be back. His absence will be felt more against the run as Woodley and Timmons are the keys against the pass. Missing Harrison is the tougher part as the rush capabilities are diminished without him there.

But no excuses. Next man up – you have to win with the roster you have.